Evaluation of an automatic sampling gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric instrument for continuous monitoring of trace anthropogenic gases

Abstract

Continuous monitoring of the atmospheric volatile halogenated hydrocarbons is needed in light of the role played by these compounds in global climate change phenomena. The analytical methodology described in the following implies the use of a gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric system equipped with a sampling/pre-concentration unit, for the simultaneous and continuous analysis of a number of halogenated hydrocarbons present in the atmosphere at concentration levels ranging from a few to hundreds of part per trillion by volume. The optimization of the analytical procedure in terms of efficiency, linearity, and reproducibility is reported together with some of the results obtained in the frame of a monitoring activity carried out on a remote mountain station in central Italy.

Keywords:

• CFCs
• Halocarbons
• Greenhouse gases
• GC–MS
• Continuous monitoring

Acknowledgements

The present study was carried out in the frame of the EU Project SOGE (EVK2-2000-00674). Ray Weiss and the SIO98 scale, and the University of Bristol and the UB 98 scale are greatly acknowledged, as well as the colleagues participating in the SOGE consortium. Paolo Bonasoni, station chief, and all the staff of the CNR (Italian National Research Council) ‘O. Vittori’ research station at Monte Cimone are deeply acknowledged as well. Part of this work was performed as a result of our participation in the Italian National Programme for Research in Antarctica (PNRA).